British Virgin Islands, Wickhams Cay II - Essential Vacation Information
Sunsail Tortola
Wickhams Cay II
Road Town
Tortola
British Virgin Islands
Tel: 00 1 284 495 4740
After hours: 00 1 284 496 6552
Base Manager: Nic Parton
LANGUAGE
• The language of the British Virgin Islands is English.
• The BVI is –4 hours GMT
PASSPORT & VISAS
• Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return.
• Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.
• Clients wishing to sail to the US Virgin islands during their yacht charter MUST have a US Visa and a return flight ticket to their country of origin.
• It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. Sunsail cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.
• You must fill in a Customs Declaration Form on entry to The BVI, whether you arrive by sea or air.
CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION
• Before leaving the airport, you will have to clear Immigration and Customs.
• A landing card will be given to you on the plane, along with a Customs declaration form. It is not possible to take fresh food into most Caribbean islands and airlines will assume no liability for perishable articles that may be confiscated by Customs.
• On departure from Tortola a tax of $20 US per person will be levied – please organize departure tax payment prior to queuing at the departure gate.
CURRENCY
• US$ is the currency used throughout the British Virgin Islands. Credit cards are widely accepted except in smaller establishments. Small denomination US$ travelers checks are also accepted.
• Banks are situated in Road Town, Tortola and Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda and operate under normal banking hours. Cash machines are also available at these locations.
PROVISIONING
• Orders can be made through our online provisioning before you depart. The provisioning pages will confirm the latest order date for your chosen destination.Your Sunsail provisioning will be delivered to your yacht after it arrives on the dock.
• We would highly recommend provisioning for the first night of arrival just in case you arrive at the base after the store and restaurant have closed.
• There are alternative stores to provision, which are onsite or in Road Town.
• Small provisioning stores can also be found while sailing at Soper's Hole, Bitter End, Leverick Bay, Trellis Bay and Cane Garden Bay.
SAFETY
• All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets harnesses we leave it up to you to decide when personal safety equipment should be worn.
• We have a limited supply of children’s life jackets (age 4+ only) if you have your own children’s life jacket we would encourage you to bring it along.
• Children under the age of 16yrs should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy.
ILLNESS OR INJURY
• If you are taken sick and visit the doctor or hospital during your trip please have a member of your party contact the Sunsail base manager as soon as possible.
• If you will need to make a travel insurance claim please contact your claim insurer’s emergency medical service immediately.
• Obtain receipts for any medication, treatment or transport you have to pay for and submit with your claim.
THE MARINA
Facilities adjacent to the base include:
• Showers and toilets
• Hotel
• Restaurant and bar
• Swimming Pool
• Provisioning store
• Selection of shops
ELECTRICITY
• The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts. In order to use electronic equipment that is 220v you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter. You may rent an inverter from Renport before arrival www.renport.com
EQUIPMENT ON THE YACHTS
Sunsail yachts are equipped with just about everything you will need for a safe and enjoyable holiday.
• A deposit is required for dinghy, outboard engine and GPS.
• You will be given a checklist on arrival to make sure you have all the items listed on the inventory.
• Please inform the base manager before you leave the base if anything is missing as it is not always possible to replace or exchange items once you have departed on your cruise. Stolen items must be immediately reported to Sunsail management and the local police. An incident report will be completed for insurance purposes
• Any problems with, or damage to, your yacht must be reported to the local staff immediately. If not we cannot be held responsible.
• Each yacht is equipped with two pairs of snorkeling equipment, linen and bath towels and navigation equipment. Please bring beach towels with you.
• Clothing – In Sunsail locations dress is informal, but we ask you to respect local etiquette. Wet weather gear and fleeces are advisable for early and late season.
MOORING FEES AND TAXES
• Most overnight stops in the BVI will be at mooring buoys/anchor as opposed to alongside quays. The buoys will cost approximately $25 per night – to be paid locally at each anchorage.
• In marinas the dockage is approx $1 per foot per night.
• BVI National Park Fees and cruising taxes are now paid before departure.
CHARTS AND PILOT BOOK
• All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are on board the yacht. Charts and pilot books can be purchased in advance from www.imray.com or www.kelvinhughes.com
EATING OUT
• There are numerous restaurants within walking distance or a short taxi ride away from the base. Most restaurants within the BVI close at 10pm
• Approximate restaurant prices:
Bottle of beer - $4
Glass of wine - $6
1.5 ltr of water - $5
Starter / Entrée - $6-$10
Evening meal main course $18 - $25 (Lobster $45)
Dessert $6-$8
• Please not some restaurants are seasonal and may be closed during September and October
TIPPING
• If you have Sunsail crew on board your boat, tipping is at your discretion but standard is 15-20% of the crew fee.
• Tipping is standard and expected in all restaurants / bars and for other services undertaken during your holiday. The rule of thumb is generally 10-15% of the amount charged. Some establishments automatically add this onto the bill.
ACTIVITIES
• Sunsail Tortola has an Activity Coordinator to help you book extra activities before you arrive. From deep sea fishing and scuba diving, to spa treatments and swimming with dolphins she can help you organize an experience of a lifetime.
SNORKELING
• We have a range of snorkeling gear which you may wish to use. We are limited on children’s sizes so if you have your own you may wish to pack your own, as children may be more comfortable with what is familiar to them.
FISHING
• Fishing permits are required if you wish to fish from your Yacht in the BVI. These are available direct from the Ministry for $45. It is no longer possible to purchase permits from the base. You must contact the Ministry direct on 001 284 494 3701 prior to your arrival. Please allow sufficient time for your application to be processed.
CELL PHONES
• Your cell phone may work when in the BVI please check with your service provider for coverage details and call costs. You will need to activate international roaming on your contract. If your provider does not offer coverage in the Caribbean purchasing a SIM card and calling credit from CCT Boatphone in Road Town can activate your tri-band phone. Open Monday – Fri 8.30 – 5pm, Sat 9-1pm.
LUGGAGE
• We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive on Island after you do.
• Please pack using soft-sided bags, as these are easier to store on your yacht. Sunsail Tortola has no facilities for holding luggage.
MUSIC / IPODS
• All boats are fitted with a radio and CD player. If you wish to listen to your IPOD whilst sailing you will need to bring along an I-trip or FM radio transmitter.
EXTENDING YOUR Vacation?
• If you are looking for land based accommodation in the BVI to extend your time in the BVI please contact the Sunsail activity coordinator for suggestions and booking at activities@sunsail.com
NIGHT SAILING
• Night Sailing is not permitted; you must be moored at least one hour before sunset at all of our locations.
WEATHER
• The weather in the BVI is generally predictable. Temperatures range from 79-91F (26-33C) with chances of quick showers. The sun is hot and can cause illness so we highly recommend the use of a high factor sunscreen, a hat or cap and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids throughout the day.
• Hurricane season June to November can involve quick but heavy downpours of rain, tropical storms and very occasionally, a hurricane. If you are visiting during this period hurricane procedure will be explained during chart briefing.
PLEASE NOTE
• If you feel that a problem may adversely affect your vacation, you must give our staff the opportunity to resolve it for you. If the problem is not resolved to your satisfaction, please ensure that you inform the base manager and it is essential that you complete a holiday report form.
• Unfortunately, claims made for problems not reported first to the base staff and then to the manager locally, cannot be considered.
SUNSAIL – RESPECTING DESTINATIONS
Sunsail remain committed to looking after the environment and supporting the cultures where we operate and over many years you have helped us to ensure that our presence does not negatively impact these areas. Please continue to assist us to leave these areas ‘As good or better than we found them’
PLEASE NOTE: Times, prices and information is correct at the time of publication, but are subject to change without prior notice.
British Virgin Islands Information Sheet last update 07.02.07
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